TSM Myth States that the Jokes about WHO Gaming Disorder Need to Stop

Monday, June 18th saw the World Health Organization (WHO) add Gaming Disorder to their 11th 'Classification of Diseases' listing and sparked a massive debate in the video game community over the decision and what exactly would qualify someone as having the disorder. 

The official description of the disorder by WHO states that the "disorder is characterized by a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behaviour (‘digital gaming’ or ‘video-gaming’), which may be online (i.e., over the internet) or offline, manifested by: 1) impaired control over gaming (e.g., onset, frequency, intensity, duration, termination, context); 2) increasing priority given to gaming to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities; and 3) continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences. The behaviour pattern is of sufficient severity to result in significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning. The pattern of gaming behaviour may be continuous or episodic and recurrent. The gaming behaviour and other features are normally evident over a period of at least 12 months in order for a diagnosis to be assigned, although the required duration may be shortened if all diagnostic requirements are met and symptoms are severe."

While the official description of the disorder by WHO describes excessive playing that drastically and negatively interferes with other areas of a person's life, many have taken to social media to joke about the newly recognized disease. 

However, Team SoloMid Fortnite Player Ali "Myth" Kabbani looks to have had enough of the joking of the disorder and believes that the issue should be taken seriously by the community. 

Can we please shut the fuck up about gaming disorder not being legit. People get lost in things and it should be no surprise that gaming could be one of those things. Stop being sheep and maybe Google the damn term before posting the same damn memes that everyone else is posting. pic.twitter.com/9yWJPtRudo

— Myth (@TSM_Myth) June 19, 2018

Stating that "people get lost in things" and that "it should be no surprise that gaming could be one of those things", Team SoloMid Fortnite player Myth believes that those joking on the matter should conduct some research and see that the disorder recognized by the WHO is not targeting video game playing in general, but the extreme cases of addiction that cause serious problems in areas of a person's life, such as social activity, school and work. 

No matter what side of the discussion you are on in this matter, there is no denying that the WHO's decision to officially recognize Gaming Disorder has ignited one of the most heated debates that the video game industry has seen in some time. 

(cover photo courtesy of Team SoloMid)